The effectiveness of using a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) machine as a means of treating neglect was reviewed in the Journal of Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience in 2010.
The exact neural mechanisms which lead to neglect syndrome are not fully understood. One theory that has been proposed is that when the right hemisphere is damaged the more dominant left hemisphere actually suppresses it still further. This causes information from the left visual field to be ignored.
A TMS machine produces a powerful magnetic field to temporarily deactivate parts of the brain. When applied in repeated bursts over the intact, overactive left parietal cortex of neglect patients, it has been shown to reduce their symptoms. In some cases the effects have lasted as long as six weeks and the technique shows promise for treatment, especially in combination with other forms of therapy.
Reference
Cazzoli, D. et al. (2010) Treatment of hemispatial neglect by means of rTMS - a review. Journal of Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, 28, 499-510.
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